‘He’s at a great club’: Pundit can’t see Arsenal signing ‘dangerous’ Barcelona player amid links

Follow us on Google Discover

Former USA international and ESPN pundit Janusz Michallik cannot see Barcelona winger Ansu Fati moving to Arsenal this summer.

Earlier this month, Sport reported that Arsenal were interested in Ansu Fati and have made proposals to both the player and his club. However, Michallik doubts that a transfer will materialise.

Speaking on ESPN, he said: “No. I mean, he’s at a great club. He’s at Barcelona. If it wasn’t for the long-term injury that he had… I remember when he came on the scene at Barcelona, it was incredible. [He] made it to Spain, the national team, and proved himself there already as well.

“I think Luis Enrique at the time was the manager of Spain and obviously since the injury, he hasn’t been the same. Barcelona, I think they can use him.”

Michallik later went on to add: “What would he have accomplished going to Arsenal? Competition for places is going to be big.”

Ansu Fati will not start at Arsenal

Fati is obviously a player with a lot of talent, with his manager Xavi describing him as a “dangerous” attacker.

However, as Michallik mentioned, there would be a lot of competition for the 20-year-old at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta currently has Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who are two of the best wide men in the Premier League right now.

Last season, the Arsenal duo scored 29 goals combined in the top flight. There is no way that Fati is ousting either player out of the Gunners’ starting XI, or at least not straight away if he did join the club.

There is also Leandro Trossard, who has shown that he can make an impact from off the bench.

The Belgian scored his side’s equaliser in their triumph over Manchester City in the Community Shield just before the new campaign kicked off.

Perhaps Arteta wants more depth in attack, but being a squad player is something that may not appeal to Fati.

All in all, then, it would be a surprise if the Spain international did depart Barcelona for Arsenal this summer. With Ousmane Dembele leaving for Paris Saint-Germain, there could be more room for him to get opportunities at the La Liga champions.